DREIDEL ROCK

Skipping their annual tradition only once since 2001, Yo La Tengo continue their 
enlightening eight-night Hanukkah benefit run this year at Maxwell’s in Hoboken. In the past, each evening has offered a different comedian (Amy Poehler, Sarah Silverman, David Cross), opening act (Alex Chilton, Redd Kross, Sun Ra Arkestra), beneficiary (expect several Sandy-related donations), mixtape (by band and friends), and emotionally rocking YLT set. The secret lineups are a roll of the dice, tickets are tighter than Grover Norquist’s wallet, and you’ll probably be stuck behind what even the trio reckons to be “the world’s tallest audience.” But it’s all worth it to see an adult rock band at the top of their game, playing to friends and family in what only a few weeks ago was one of the world’s wettest towns.

Mondays-Sundays, 9 p.m. Starts: Dec. 8. Continues through Dec. 15, 2012